Musical Aptitude and Cognitive Growth: A Culturally Rooted Assessment Framework Based on Rabindra Sangeet

This paper proposes a structured framework for assessing musical aptitude in Rabindra Sangeet, the genre pioneered by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, grounded in its cultural, cognitive, and emotional dimensions. Existing aptitude tests, primarily designed within Western classical paradigms, tend to inadequately capture the integrated lyrical, melodic, and philosophical richness of this tradition. Drawing on music cognition theories, Gordon’s Music Learning Theory, and pedagogical practices from institutions such as Visva-Bharati and Rabindra Bharati University, the study outlines a developmentally appropriate assessment model for children, adolescents, and adults. The framework combines oral, written, and performance-based modules, each evaluated through a flexible scoring rubric that highlights both technical skill and expressive understanding. Key challenges, including standardization, cultural accessibility for non- Bengali learners, and the need for empirical validation are addressed. This discussion also opens up the avenues for the integration of music therapy and education. By offering a holistic and context-sensitive approach, this study contributes to the broader effort of decolonizing music assessment in Indian contexts.